Officially reopened in January 2009 following extensive renovations, the iconic Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat is introducing a variety of exceptional services to accommodate its guests – the most exclusive being a highly specialized butler service for all suite guests.

“Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat’s refurbishment plans also included an enhancement and renewal of guest offerings,” said Tony Zamora, Director of Operations, InterContinental Hotels Group Oman, and General Manager, Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat. “The butler service is a unique service in Oman and the region; it reflects the personal and adaptive services we deliver to our guests to enrich their stay and make their visit to Oman more rewarding.”

Partnering with the world-renowned Australian Butler School (ABS), a total of 20 Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat staff members were trained over a course of four weeks at the hotel. Five existing employees and 15 new recruits from Oman, the Philippines, India and Sri-Lanka are members of this experienced group of people, most of which were previous butlers as well. Out of the 20 butlers, four are Omani.

The intensive butler training programme was designed and delivered by lead trainer Andrew Oster to distinctively cater to the property’s requirements, taking into account the experience and cultural background of staff, physical layout of the property and guest demographics.

Speaking about the programme, Andrew Oster, said “We offer hotels a contemporary approach to butler training by keeping up to date with international trends and concepts. This is the first time ABS conducted such a programme in the Middle East and it was a great experience working in Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat – the property’s staff have an outstanding talent and drive which made it uncomplicated for us to deliver hands-on experience and knowledge to them.”

The property’s award winning Butler Service Manager, Ravi Shanker, said, “This is a genuine butler service – this is not a gimmick! Staff have been trained in all areas; starting with their own posture and presentation, service philosophy and communication skills, to hosting a formal dinner service and valeting.”

“The butler offering compliments InterContinental Hotels and Resorts’ signature Concierge service which delivers outstanding local knowledge combined with modern techniques to extend a truly authentic and unique experience to our guests, said Helma Eppstein, Executive Housekeeper for Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat. “It is also the people behind our services that highlight the exceptional quality and commitment the hotel offers – having people like Ravi onboard is what makes the difference.”

With over ten years experience as a butler in the Middle East and Asia, Shanker explained that some of the services available with the property’s butler service include: suitcase packing and unpacking, wardrobe organising, itinerary planning, in-room dining, tours and restaurant bookings, as well as escorting guests within the hotel.